The "Ernstberg bei Sichenhausen" nature reserve in the western part of the Upper Vogelsberg consists of ancient pastureland that has lain fallow for more than 20 years. The previous, characteristic grassland vegetation of the region is to be restored with the aid of moderate grazing corresponding as closely as possible to historical agricultural methods, combined with the reintroduction of the red Vogelsberg highland cattle (breed with 25-90 % of the original gene set obtained by back crossing).
The flora and vegetation of the nature reserve are described and explained by means of phytosociological releves. Of particular importance in this regard are the plant communities characteristic of moderately grazed pastures, above all the Festuco-Genistelletum-sagittalis and the Festuca-rubra-Agrostis-capillaris-community, that were once widespread in the highland of the Vogelsberg but must now be regarded as endangered.
The grazing of parts of the nature reserve by a herd of Vogelsberg highland cattle, pursued since 1983 as a measure of cultivation, is not only decisive for the longterm survival and regeneration of the former typical plant communities of the region but is also an important contribution to the preservation of an ancient breed of domestic animal threatened with extinction.